Daijiworld Media Network - Chatra
Chatra, Mar 13: Traffic in Chatra district came to a standstill for more than 16 hours after villagers blocked a highway, demanding compensation and action following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of four teenage boys.
The accident occurred late Thursday evening at Chiraiyatand under the jurisdiction of Piparwar police station. A speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly collided with a motorcycle carrying four minors. Three of the boys—Vikas Kumar (15), Manjit Mahto (14), and Pratap Kumar (15)—died on the spot. The fourth, Son Kumar (15), succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences.
Police reported that the boys were returning to Hafuwa-Baradih village from Bhelwatand when the collision occurred. The impact left both the motorcycle and the SUV heavily damaged.
The tragedy sparked outrage among locals and relatives. Villagers placed the bodies on the road and blocked the highway late Thursday night, continuing the protest into Friday afternoon. This brought coal transport and other vehicular movement to a halt, with long queues of trucks and vehicles stranded on both sides.
Three of the deceased were residents of Baradih village, while one belonged to Hafuwa village. Families and villagers are demanding immediate arrest of those responsible, compensation according to government norms, and government jobs for the families of the deceased. They also called for stricter measures to curb reckless driving and speeding by heavy vehicles in the area.
Police from Piparwar police station and local administrative officials reached the site soon after the incident to maintain law and order. Initially, villagers refused to allow the bodies to be taken for post-mortem examinations, insisting on assurances regarding their demands first.
Authorities have held multiple rounds of talks with the protesters, assuring compensation as per government guidelines. A heavy police presence remains at the site while senior officials work to persuade villagers to lift the blockade and allow traffic to resume.